Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The RTB price index reports for the first three quarters of 2017 show a dampening effect on rent inflation when compared with rent inflation in Dublin in 2016. When considering rent inflation, it is important not to look at national inflation but at inflation in the RPZs. As was stated in the Dáil yesterday, we do not yet have 12 months' data from the RTB for Dublin, all of which is an RPZ. When we have that information, we will be better able to understand what is happening with RPZs and how effectively they are working. Of course, we have recognised some deficiencies, for example, substantial refurbishment being used as a loophole to get around the rent cap. I am addressing that in the priority legislation I mentioned to Deputy Howlin. There will be legal consequences for landlords who try to get around that law.

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